Abstract: An apparatus for performing computer-based operations includes a computer system which includes at least one computer. A printer is connected to the computer system and is capable of printing with visible ink and invisible ink to generate a sheet of media printed with visible information and invisible depictions of coded data on receipt of initial print instructions from the computer system. The computer system is programmed to generate the invisible depictions such that the coded data represents instructions capable of being executed by the computer. A sensor is capable of detecting the invisible depictions and is configured to generate a signal carrying said coded data. The sensor is connected to the computer system, which is configured to decode the coded data and to execute the instructions.

Abstract: A scanner with a two dimensional array of sensors generates an aiming pattern that is concurrently used as illumination for a segment of the array. In this manner, one-dimensional and simple two-dimensional barcodes can be quickly processed by loading and decoding only the segment of the array.

Abstract: A laser scanning unit to form an electrostatic latent image according to an image signal by projecting a light onto a photosensitive medium. The laser scanning unit has a light source having a cylindrical shape of a predetermined length; a reflective member surrounding the light source to focus the light from the light source; a micro-mirror array to reflect the light focused by the reflective member toward the photosensitive medium; a driving control unit to drive the micro-mirror array according to the image signal; and a micro-lens array disposed in an optical path between the micro-mirror array and the photosensitive medium, to focus the light reflected from the micro-mirror array onto the surface of the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A user interface for use with a networked printer and computer system includes a sheet of media printed with both visible and invisible ink, such that the visible ink indicates information for a user and the invisible ink depicts coded data. The invisible ink is detectable with a sensor that is configured to generate a signal carrying said coded data that is received by a computer system connected to the printer, in use. The coded data is represented by an array of printed tags which cover at least a portion of the sheet of media. The tags have at least one common target structure and each tag has at least one data area with coded data representing at least one set of bits that define a characteristic of the sheet.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sensing an image of an object and an optical code associated with the object and generating respective object image data and optical code image data. A database stores a plurality of digital codes and an object image data entry associated with each respective digital code of the plurality of digital codes. A processing unit generates at least one digital code; accesses at least one object image data entry associated with at least one respective stored digital code that substantially matches the respective at least one generated digital code; and compares the object image data with the at least one accessed object image data entry and determines if the comparison results are within a predetermined image recognition certainty threshold.

Abstract: A scanning fingerprint detection system includes an array of capacitive sensing elements, the array having a first dimension greater than the width of a fingerprint and a second dimension less than the length of a fingerprint. Each of the capacitive sensing elements has first and second conductor plates connected across an inverting amplifier, the conductor plates forming capacitors with the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint of a finger pressed against a protective coating above the array, the inverting amplifier generating a signal indicative of a ridge or valley. Circuitry is provided for scanning the array to capture an image of a portion of fingerprint and for assembling the captured images into a fingerprint image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dataform reading module. At least one photosensor provides a plurality of different zones for image capture. A lens focuses a respective image representing a portion of a dataform taken along a target line onto a respective one of the plurality of different zones. At least two mirrors are configured to focus an image of adjacent and partially overlapping portions of the dataform taken along the target line onto the lens. An illuminating device illuminates the dataform.

Abstract: A scanning fingerprint detection system that includes an array of capacitive sensing elements. The array has a first dimension greater than the width of a fingerprint and a second dimension less than the length of a fingerprint. Each of the capacitive sensing elements has a size less than the width of a fingerprint ridge. Circuitry is provided for scanning the array to capture an image of a portion of fingerprint and for assembling the captured images into a fingerprint image as a fingerprint is moved over the array.

Abstract: A frequency division multiplexed bar code scanner system includes a plurality of radiation sources for simultaneously providing a plurality of source beams, and a modulator circuit for modulating the intensity of each source beam at a different frequency. The source beams are combined and directed along a path to a bar code to be read; the return combined reflected light patterns are amplitude modulated by the bar code and are detected and the amplitude modulation of at least one of these patterns is detected to obtain a representation of the bar code read. The phase shift between the source beam and at least one of the reflected light patterns is used to determine the distance to the barcode bearing object. Distance information may be used to improve barcode reading performance.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection system integrates ideal design features to improve and optimize the data collection process. The operator interface of the hand-held portable data collection system incorporates somatic feedback between the hand-held portable data terminal and the operator, thereby facilitating operation of the data terminal such as reading of optically readable indicia. The hand-held portable data collection system further provides optimal data collection by allowing for variable orientation of the reading field of view of the data file reader allowing for optimal positioning of the reader during the data collection process. Optically readable indicia may be disposed within the reading field of view of the data file reader without having to sight along the terminal as is typical with prior aim and shoot type data readers. The optically readable indicia may be readable regardless of orientational disposition.

Abstract: A workpiece identifying method is provided, being characterized in that a plurality of identification areas of plural columns and rows are plotted in an identification mark providing region provided in the area of the unused portion of a workpiece or a product, identification holes are formed in the proper number of identification areas, whereby an identification mark is provided to the workpiece or the product. A workpiece is produced with identification holes formed in the proper number of identification areas. An identifying method for detecting the identification holes formed in the proper number of identification areas of the workpiece and workpiece identification apparatus are also provided. Sheet metal machining apparatus is further provided, having the workpiece identification apparatus placed in a workpiece feed device side or a carry-away device side for a sheet metal work machine. Thus, an identification mark is easily and surely provided to the workpiece, making it easy to identify the same.

Abstract: In a foodstuffs heating apparatus wherein a plurality of different heating function modes are selectively effected and heating temperature and heating time are settable, when an oven heating function is selected from the plurality of function modes by a selected cooking card, the function of selector switches adapted to select heating function modes other than the oven heating function may be changed from the heating function mode selection to the heating temperature setting, so that the setting of heating temperature may automatically be effected by utilizing the cooking card.